Darcy’s Determination – A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Letty Larchwood

After Mr. Darcy’s insulting proposal of marriage at Rosings, Elizabeth Bennet returns to Longbourn. Mr. Atherton, a handsome gentleman newly arrived in Meryton, captures her attention – although she hopes that he and Jane will suit. Ever since Mr. Bingley deserted Jane, and broke her heart, Lizzy has wished for something or someone to spark Jane out of her despondency, and Mr. Atherton might be the one to do so!

But when Darcy warns Lizzy that Mr. Atherton is not the charming, debonair gentleman everyone in Meryton thinks he is, she does not believe him, and accuses him of jealousy.

Darcy is determined to save Lizzy from Mr. Atherton’s designs – for it is not Jane he is attracted to, but Lizzy herself! – and finds proof that he was right about Mr. Atherton all along.

But when Lizzy realizes her feelings for Darcy have changed since his proposal at Rosings, and she has fallen in love with him, Lydia elopes with Wickham!

Can Darcy save the day? Or will he take Lizzy and her whole family in disgust once more and return to Pemberley – alone?

This is a Pride and Prejudice Variation novella of 33,000 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Letty Larchwood
• Release date: Aug 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536570946

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

Unless his name is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Or Mr. Charles Bingley.

But you refused Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet reminded herself, frowning in the mirror.

But how could she have done anything else?

She had visited her friend Charlotte Lucas—now Collins—at the Hunsford parsonage at Rosings, Lady Catherine de Burgh’s estate in Kent. She had been shocked, at first, to discover Mr. Darcy planned to call at Rosings, apparently visiting his aunt, Lady Catherine, during her stay at the parsonage. But she could not deny to herself, however much she wished to, that when he had arrived, she had enjoyed their chance meetings, walking in the woods on the estate.

Until ...

Until he had ruined everything. Firstly, by warning Bingley not to propose to Jane, claiming that she did not show any affection for him.

And then ... by proposing to her, Elizabeth Bennet! Slowly, she had been revising her opinion of Mr. Darcy as a proud, haughty gentleman, until Colonel Fitzwilliam had told her of his suspicions that Darcy had saved Bingley from an imprudent marriage. 

Mr. Darcy had surprised her that very same day by appearing at the parsonage. She had begged off having tea at Rosings, pleading a headache, and was alone in the house, until Mr. Darcy rang the doorbell.

You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

Lizzy viciously tugged the brush through her hair.

But what else could she have done but reject him? He had destroyed Jane’s chances with Bingley. He made sure to tell her, Lizzy, that her connections were far inferior to his own, and it was this that had made him hesitate to declare himself before now.

Odious man, she muttered, scowling at her reflection.

She had had no choice but to refuse him.

And, once she did, he departed the parsonage. And she had never seen him again. Not a note, nor a letter. Nothing to apologize for his insulting proposal.

The next afternoon, Mr. Collins had been all atwitter, eager to tell her that Mr. Darcy had received urgent post that morning, informing him that his sister was suffering from pneumonia. Apparently, he had departed right away, riding hell for leather to London, where his sister was currently residing at the family’s townhouse with Mrs. Annesley, her companion.

Lizzy had not heard from him again.

Lizzy, are you ready? Lydia’s eager voice reached her.

I’ll be down in a minute, Lizzy replied, crossing to the bedroom door. She picked up her beaded reticule, wishing with all her heart that she had not let her younger sisters persuade her to attend tonight’s assembly.

It had been weeks now, since her return from Rosings, but Darcy’s proposal kept playing over and over again in her mind. Although she hoped his sister had recovered from her illness, she did not want to think of him again. At least he would not be at the assembly tonight. She would be surprised indeed if Darcy and Mr. Bingley ever stepped foot in Meryton again.

She had only agreed to attend tonight’s dance because of her sister Jane. Ever since dear Jane had returned from staying with their aunt and uncle Gardiner in London, she had not been the same person. She positively drooped. There was no other word for it.

Tonight was not just about Lydia and Kitty enjoying themselves, while Mary hoped to impress everyone there with her piano playing. No, it was about getting Jane out of the house and into society once more.

How dare Bingley (and Darcy) crush her sister’s hopes!

Jane had gone to London for the possibility of coming across Bingley there. She had visited his sisters once, but apart from that had not had any contact with the Bingleys.

And now, Lizzy knew why.

Because of Darcy.

I will not think of that man ever again, she muttered, descending the stairs. Ever.

You look nice, Lizzy, Lydia said, hopping up and down with excitement in her pale blue gown with puffed sleeves and flounces of lace on the hem. But do hurry up, I want to get there before the first dance!

I hope Denny is there. Kitty giggled, her dress similar to Lydia’s but in a shade of pale green.

And his friends. Lydia beamed. I am going to dance with every single gentleman there!

Mary looked scandalized. Wearing her best gown, which was a severe navy blue muslin fabric with no frills or flounces, she said, You must not do that, Lydia. People will think you are fast.

Lydia laughed. I do not care what people think! I shall be too busy having fun tonight.

The four sisters looked up as Jane descended the stairs with despondent grace. Dressed in a pale pink dress with lace trim on the sleeves and the skirt, she looked as if she belonged in a fashion plate. Her golden hair was twined around her head in a style most becoming. Despite her air of gloom, Lizzy still thought that Jane must have been one of the most beautiful women in England.

Goody! Lydia clapped her hands in glee. You are ready at last! Now we must hurry or we shall miss it all!

Lydia is right. Mrs. Bennet hurried down the stairs. I want all of you to dance with as many gentleman as you can. Especially you, Jane. Mrs. Bennet looked at her eldest daughter with an appraising eye. I want that scoundrel Bingley to know exactly what he’s missing out on.

He will not be there, Mama, Lizzy said, her heart going out to Jane. Although dressed impeccably, her sister looked miserable. But it would be good for Jane to be out and about. She did not want people feeling sorry for her. According to Lydia and Kitty, the gossip had already started about Bingley’s absence at Netherfield, and Jane coming home alone from her sojourn to London.

Ah, but I am sure somebody acquainted with that family will be, her mother replied, wagging a finger at Lizzie, and they will be certain to tell him—or his sisters. She brightened. And who knows? Perhaps there will be another Bingley there tonight—someone with more than five thousand a year!

Barely refraining from rolling her eyes, Lizzy cast Jane a sympathetic look before they followed their mother and their sisters to the carriage.

Lydia and Kitty gossiped and giggled the entire way, with their mother joining in as well. Looking at the three of them, their faces alight with anticipation and glee, Lizzy remembered Darcy’s criticism of her family during his awkward proposal.

Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections?

To Lizzy’s relief, they arrived at the ball before her sisters’ giggling got on her nerves. Please don’t tell me I’m turning into my mother, she thought wryly.

She took Jane’s arm as they entered the assembly rooms. It looked well attended, and already couples were dancing.

See! hissed Lydia. I told you we would miss the first dance.

There will be many more dances for everyone, Mary said placidly, clutching her music to her.

Ooh, Denny! Lydia pointed at one of her favorite officers talking with a small group of redcoats. She grabbed Kitty’s hand and raced over to the soldiers.

Lizzy and Jane looked at each other in dismay. Did Lydia have to be so hoydenish?

Perhaps Darcy is right, Lizzy thought. It had stung when he had criticized her family like that, though. It was one thing for her to think of some of the members—never Jane!—to be wanting in tact and grace, but she did not appreciate him pointing out their deficiencies when she was well aware of them herself. Although members of her family embarrassed her at times, she still loved them.

Mrs. Bennet told her remaining daughters to enjoy themselves, before waving at Aunt Philips and hurrying over to a vacant chair next to that lady.

I shall wait by the piano, Mary declared, until it is my turn to play.

Lizzy nodded, hoping her solitude-loving sister would enjoy herself tonight.

Well, Lizzy. Jane turned to her. How shall we amuse ourselves?

We shall stroll around the room, making observations as to all the guests, until a handsome gentleman asks you to dance and steals you away with me. Lizzy attempted to make her sister laugh.

Oh, Lizzy, I do not see how anyone could tempt me. Not after—after—

Do not distress yourself. Lizzy patted her sister’s arm, inwardly fuming at what Darcy’s interference had wrought. You are meant to enjoy yourself tonight, although I must insist that does not include running over to any of the red coats here.

Jane smiled at the little joke, looking happier for an instant. You are good for me, Lizzy. She sighed. I just wish you had been with me in London—or that I had never gone.

We shall not talk of that tonight, Lizzy gently admonished her.

No, you are right. Jane stood up straight. Let us try to enjoy ourselves as much as we can. We have not been to an assembly for an age. I wonder that Mr. Wickham is not here, though. She looked at Lizzy sympathetically.

Although Lizzy had at first been beguiled by that gentleman’s good looks and charm, when she had returned from Rosings she had heard a few vague whispers about his conduct. Coupled with Darcy’s strange reaction to her mention of Wickham when refusing his odious proposal, and Wickham’s sudden courtship of Mary King, she had decided that perhaps there was more to Mr. Wickham’s character than he first presented to the world.

They strolled around the room, greeting acquaintances, and trying to act as if nothing of import had happened to either of them in the last few months. Not